A Catholic priest serving at St. Edward Catholic Church in the small community of Richard is now formally facing three felony counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile, according to court filings in Acadia Parish. Father Korey Lavergne, 37, is slated for arraignment on March 20 at the Acadia Parish Courthouse. He was arrested in mid-January, posted bond, and the charges stem from alleged contact with a minor at the parish. The Diocese of Lafayette has said it is assisting law enforcement as the case moves forward, as reported by KPLC.
Bill of Information details alleged conduct with 15-year-old
A recently filed Bill of Information accuses Lavergne of committing "lewd or lascivious acts" involving a 15-year-old on Jan. 1, 2024, according to KPLC. The document lists three separate felony counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile.
Complaint to deputies and meeting with bishop preceded arrest
Public records released in response to a records request show that deputies received a complaint on Dec. 2, 2025, after a boy reported to a third party that he had been inappropriately touched, according to The Guardian. Local investigative work by News 15 Investigates (KADN) found that the complaint reaching law enforcement was initially filed by a fellow priest, and that the accuser and his mother met with Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel in early December, the mother later told investigators.
Diocese pledges cooperation as parish still lists Lavergne as pastor
The Diocese of Lafayette issued a statement saying it would "continue to assist law enforcement and request prayers for all who were involved," according to WAFB. Despite the criminal case, the parish directory on the church website still identifies Lavergne as pastor, as shown on St. Edward.
Arraignment on calendar as felony counts carry potential prison time
Lavergne is scheduled to appear for arraignment at 9 a.m. on March 20 at the Acadia Parish Courthouse, according to KPLC. As The Guardian notes, the charge of indecent behavior with a juvenile, which Louisiana law defines as lewd or lascivious acts involving someone under 17, can bring a sentence of up to seven years in prison along with possible fines.
Case unfolds amid long shadow over Lafayette diocese
The arrest and formal charges land in the middle of a broader reckoning over clergy abuse in the Diocese of Lafayette. That history, documented through reporting and public records compiled by BishopAccountability, helps explain why parishioners and survivors are paying close attention to every development in this prosecution.
What happens next in the Acadia Parish case
The March 20 arraignment is the next major public step in court. After that hearing, prosecutors will decide how to proceed and whether to move the case toward trial. Acadia Parish investigators told News 15 Investigates that they presented the case to prosecutors and judges before obtaining an arrest warrant, according to local coverage by News 15 Investigates.
